In Mykolaiv, the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project center has resumed activities, implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association and the Mykolaiv Oblast Football Association.

At Lyceum No. 53 and the private preschool educational institution "Grand-Gipanis," the project is supported by coaches — talented teacher Yuliia Kostyuchenko and Denis Kostyuchenko.

Photo by AFMO

"Thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we were able to resume activities in Mykolaiv and engage girls in interesting football training through Disney's magical world. When we finally saw the happy eyes and joy on the children's faces, their sincere smiles confirmed once again that we are moving in the right direction," — noted Yuliia Kostyuchenko.

Photo by AFMO

"Right now, our children need support — both physical and mental health. We are very grateful to coaches Yuliia and Denis Kostyuchenko for bringing joy to the girls and teaching them sports skills, including football, because the girls also love football. With the UEFA PLAYMAKERS program, training is even more colorful; the girls immerse themselves in Disney's magical world and play various characters from animated films.

We thank the UAF and UEFA for this project, for their support, for the bright and interesting sports equipment that can be used both as a team and individually. We hope there will be more," — emphasized the father of one of the participants in the project.

Photo by AFMO

Objectives of the UEFA PLAYMAKERS program, implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association:

• to introduce girls to football by creating an environment where fun, friends, and football are at the center;
• to introduce a new individual coaching approach that uses imagination (inspired by Disney stories and characters) as a tool for training and skill acquisition;
• to refine girls' life skills, basic movement skills, and teach them the basics of football to foster lifelong interest in the sport.